Finally, a smooth offshore passage with winds actually more favorable than what was forecasted. This is our 3rd trip south after returning from working in Brussels and basically the first comfortable offshore passage we have made with conditions better than predicted. Its nominally a 18-24hr passage from Fort Pierce to Miami depending on wind conditions and we made a leisurely 24hr passage. On a southbound passage we stay relatively close to shore staying out of the Gulf Stream, initially about 2-3 miles out but coming in to less than 1/2 mile once south of Palm Beach.
We departed Vero Beach at 0700 and exited the Fort Pierce channel to sea at 0930. The current had already started to ebb at nearly 2kts but the winds were light and truly from the north perpendicular to the current so the waves were only 1-2ft, nothing like the 6-8ft waves we had leaving Georgetown.
The forecast winds were 5-12kts from behind us to the northeast, then shifting to the northwest later in the evening, so we setup our Whisker Pole to pole out the genoa to the starboard side.
The actual winds started close to the forecast with 10-12kts from the northeast but quickly veered to the East as the sea breeze kicked in. We were able to sail along at a nice 5-6kt pace on relatively smooth seas. Several hours later the wind died to near zero and we motored for the next 4 hours.
Then the northwest winds arrived and shifted to directly west. We left the pole extended (its a 2 person job to adjust it and not a great idea during the night) and just pulled out the genoa to the port side. Fortunately the wind never went forward of 60degrees so we were able to secure the engine and go back to sailing at 5kts with a couple reefs in the sails to keep our speed down so as not to arrive in Miami before sunrise. The winds remained relatively light and coming right off the shore and with us transiting within 1/2 mile of shore the seas were nearly flat. It was a nice smooth transit and we arrived at the Miami channel about 8am, safely after sunrise, and were anchored off South Beach by 10am and ready for a nap.
Enjoyable passages like this one are what keeps us sailing. The crew had a good time and there were no seasick induced trips to the gunnels throughout the trip.
